KIRKUS REVIEW

An experienced wildlife photographer
documents the work of staff at the Alaska SeaLife Center to save orphaned sea
otter babies.

Following the format of Orangutan
Orphanage (2016) and Koala Hospital (2015), Eszterhas introduces her
young readers to sea otters rescued from all over Alaska and rehabilitated at a
medical facility in the aquarium in Seward. She focuses mainly on their
experiences there, but she also reports on one otter’s transition from the
rescue center to its “forever home” in the Seattle Aquarium. Each spread has a
chapter heading, a conversational two- or three-paragraph narrative, a large
image (often extending across the fold), and a vignette. These clearly
captioned color photos range from close-ups of the otter pups (as on the cover)
to examples of staff members interacting with the rescued animals—feeding,
grooming, performing medical check-ups, and encouraging learning of life skills.
A final chapter presents conservation issues and suggests ways young readers
can help. This personal story begins with a "Note from Suzi"
summarizing her own history with otters and closes with a set of additional Q-and-A’s
headed "Kids ask Suzi." A map of North America indicates the center's
location; there's also a glossary, index, acknowledgements, and list of sources
(staff interviews and an excellent website readers can also explore).

Another appealing depiction of
animal rescue for readers who care about the natural world. (Nonfiction.
7-12)

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